Little Things Mean A Lot

Initially, when we went grain-free, we thought it might be a difficult transition. Being foodies, we were anxious to understand the perimeters of this life-style approach and how we might use our creativity to still make food that excited us. When looking for inspiration, I often go to my collection of ethnic cookbooks. I was not disappointed; we love Middle Eastern, Indian and Mediterranean food. I was soon mixing up a concoction of ground turkey, shredded zucchini, herbs and garlic into small meatballs that were first browned in a pan, then finished in the oven. Topped with a soothing sauce of homemade yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice and sumac, they are perfect as an appetizer or served on top of a salad of tomatoes, cucumber, feta and sunflower sprouts.

Moral of the story: change doesn’t have to be difficult, and little things mean a lot.

Zucchini and herbs at the ready

Turkey-Zucchini Meatballs With Lemon Sumac Sauce:

1 lb ground turkey

2 cups shredded zucchini

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 large organic egg

2 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped

2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

3 cloves garlic, pressed

1 tsp cumin seed, toasted and ground

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 Tbsp ghee

Lemon Sumac Sauce:

1/2 cup sour cream

2/3 cup homemade or Greek yogurt

1 tsp grated lemon zest

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 clove garlic, pressed

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp sumac (found in Middle-Eastern grocery stores)

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Browning in ghee

First make the lemon-sumac sauce by placing all the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir well and chill until needed.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the ghee. Mix with your hands (you will really get a better result) then shape into small meatballs about the size of golf ball.

Melt the ghee in a 12 inch skillet on medium-high heat. Add meatballs, making sure to leave room between them. Saute on each side until browned, about 4 minutes per side.

Place browned meatballs on a cookie-sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in oven and bake for 7-10 minutes.

Place on platter and pass sauce; or place on top of salad.

Delicious and savory

“THE SECRET OF
CHANGE lS TO FOCUS
ALL OF YOUR ENERGY
NOT ON FIGHTING THE
OLD BUT ON BUILDING
THE NEW.”